Image via Complex Original
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Besides his uncanny resemblance to SNL's Jason Sudeikis, Chip Foose looks like an average American dude. He has wispy blond hair, droopy basset hound eyes, and a rounded beer gut. His monotone voice is unspectacular, often leaving audiences listless and confused. He dresses almost exclusively in black jeans, cheap sneakers and a faded T-shirt. However, Chip's unremarkable image lies in contrast to his growing reputation as one of the most highly regarded hot-rod designers of his generation. His designs have been featured on production vehicles by all three major American auto manufacturers, and his custom rods have consistently received critical acclaim. With his 48th birthday fast approaching (Oct. 13), we thought we'd send our good wishes by offering a look back at 10 of Chip's most jaw-dropping creations.
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10. '67 Dodge Charger
Built for Chips's hit show, “Overhaulin,” on TLC, this Custom Charger is currently for sale for $115,000. We suggest buying it now, driving it to the bagel store on the weekends, and selling it for double in 10 years. Sound good?
Camaro
9. '69 Camaro
In 2006, Chip partnered with Unique Performance to manufacture a limited run of custom Camaros. Each car was built to spec for individual orders, and included seven different engine options. Starting price was $115,000, and the entire run sold out on the first day it was offered.
Tahoe
8. 2007 Chevy Tahoe Concept
Partnering with Unique Performance Concepts, Chip designed this beastly Yukon for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in New York. To give it a touch of rock-star badass, Chip dropped the Yukon six inches, gave it a slick two-tone paint scheme, and installed a set of custom “Foose” wheels made at his shop in California. Ballin!
John Deere
7. John Deere 4020 Tractor
And now for something completely different. In celebration of its iconic 4020 tractor, John Deere asked Chip to transform one unit into a custom TRACTOR-ROD. Even though the tractor was met with mixed reviews (farmers apparently don't like chrome exhaust pipes), we give Chip high marks for stepping outside of his comfort zone.
Impression
6. The Impression
The “Impression” may be the most-lauded of Chip's creations. It was awarded the America's Most Beautiful Roadster award at the 57th annual Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, Calif. It also captured the 2005 Ridler Award at the Detroit AutoRama.
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5. '56 Chevy Bel Air
D-list actor Christopher Titus stepped up his street-cred when he asked Chip to transform his '56 Bel Air into a custom hot rod. Chip promptly applied cool custom bodywork, chopped the top, and fitted it with his signature “Foose” rims. Titus recently took the Bel Air on a nationwide tour in hopes of finding his next acting gig.
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4. 1970 Dodge Challenger
Mopar fans everywhere salivated when news came out that Chip was going to transform 75 original Dodge Challengers into modern-day dream machines. The resulting car was produced using modern design cues, while seamlessly incorporating the iconic look of the original Challenger. Serial #001 sold for a whopping $346,500 at a Barett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. in 2007.
Mustang
3. 2006 Foose Stallion Mustang
Dubbed "The Worlds Hottest Mustang," the 2006 Stallion design scored Chip another big hit. In partnership with Unique Performance, the car was produced in limited quantity and featured a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, equipped with a Vortech V-2 SQ S-Trim High-Output Supercharger. Smokin!
Hemisfere
2. Hemisfere
What happens when a street-rod and hot-rod get together for a night of crazy love-making? For starters, the Hemisfere. In 2006, Chip finally brought a childhood fantasy to fruition when he designed and fabricated his ultimate dream car. Debuting at SEMA in Las Vegas, the Hemisfere stole the show, subsequently leading to a limited production run of 50 units. Beyond its wildly cool design, the Hemisfere sports a 540 hp Dodge engine that produces a massive 490 foot-pounds of torque. Serial #001 sold at Barrett-Jackson for a staggering $340,000!
terracuda
1. Terracuda
Topping our list is the ridiculously awesome, Terracuda. Built for the CEO of beer giant Pabst Blue Ribbon, this custom rod makes our knees go weak with envy. Built off of a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda and finished in Terracuda Brown with gold stripes, it's an intoxicating blend of ’70s style and contemporary, Foose-inspired design cues. Additionally, the custom gold rims are just plain sexy.
